Chapter 9 - The Fall of the Vale Empire
The investigation lasted eight months.
Adrian and Evelyn were charged with fraud, theft, conspiracy, obstruction, and the unlawful confinement of Richard.
Their lawyers tried to blame employees, accountants, and Claire.
The evidence told a different story.
Richard testified that Adrian had pressured doctors at a private facility to declare him mentally unfit. Evelyn had approved the plan and told the staff that Richard was confused and dangerous.
The garage recording proved that Richard had been clear-minded only hours before his confinement.
Claire testified for two days.
Adrian watched her from across the courtroom, expecting her to break beneath his stare.
She did not.
The prosecution displayed the same footage that had appeared at the gala. This time, Adrian could not demand that anyone turn it off.
He was convicted on every major charge.
Evelyn was also convicted after financial records showed her personal signature on twelve illegal transfers.
Adrian received a lengthy prison sentence. Evelyn received a shorter sentence but lost nearly everything she had protected through lies.
Their properties, vehicles, artwork, and hidden offshore assets were seized.
The money was returned to the pension fund.
No employee lost a dollar of retirement savings.
The Vale Industries board removed Adrian and accepted Richard’s temporary return as chairman. Richard’s first decision was to establish an independent ethics committee.
His second was to ask Claire to lead it.
Claire declined.
“I spent too long trying to repair a family that never respected me,” she explained. “I need to build something of my own.”
Richard understood.
Before she left, he gave her the restored gold trophy from the gala. The damaged base had been replaced with a simple plaque.
For Courage in Defense of Others.
Claire looked at it and smiled.
May you like
“I don’t need their trophy.”
“I know,” Richard said. “That’s why you deserve it.”
